It’s been hot here in Georgia lately…like SO hot that I’m running to my car now, yet despite the heat and sun, my legs refuse to tan, no matter how many skirts and dresses I wear. I think my legs might be invincible, guys, LOL!
To combat my blindingly white legs, I’ve been using a bronzing oil, Too Faced Royal Oil Coconut Oil Body Bronzer, and I think it may be a go-to this summer.
But that’s not the first step in my summer skin routine.
It all starts with the bath…
I finally get it… Baths are great. In my new home, I finally have a separate bathtub to relax and lounge in, and the new Shea Moisture “African Water Mint and Ginger” products inspire me to make time for them.
I start with a capful of African Water Mint & Ginger Detox Bubble Bath & Body Wash ($9.99) in the bath. It’s not SUPER soapy — which I like — so there’s no need to jump into the shower to rinse off.
But hands down, my favorite product of the set is the African Water Mint & Ginger Detox Hand & Body Scrub ($9.99). I love the feeling of the sugar breaking down as I rub it into my skin. I feel squeaky clean AND moisturized at the same time because of the oils and shea butter in the formula.
Before I hop out of the bath, I’ll quickly finish up with the African Water Mint & Ginger Detox & Refresh Hair & Scalp Gentle Shampoo ($10.99) and African Water Mint & Ginger Detox & Refresh Hair & Scalp Conditioner ($10.99).
The conditioner doesn’t wow me (it’s very thick and lotion-y), but the shampoo makes my scalp feel brand new. I use it once or twice a week to combat the hot, humid hair situation (you know — life in the South).
Adding glow and bronze
So, now that I’m squeaky clean, I’ll rub the Too Faced Royal Oil Coconut Oil Body Bronzer ($35) into my arms, legs, and chest.
The bronze goes on instantly, and the oil soaks right into the skin. It also leaves a beautiful sheen that I don’t naturally possess. The shimmer is extremely fine (the glitter looks more dramatic in my photos because of the flash), and it looks beautiful day OR night, like a shimmery bronzer all over your skin, actually.
My only caution is to build it up slowly…because too much at one time might leave you feeling more greasy than glam.
What’s your everyday summer skin maintenance routine like, and do you take baths at home?
Ah… soaking in a bath sounds heavenly! Haven’t done that in a LONG time. I am of the “embrace the whiteness” mindset, seeing as my English/Irish/Scotch ancestry leaves me little choice. I am curious about this bronzing oil b/c it doesn’t look too dark. I have a deluxe sample of a St. Tropez Instant Glow body lotion which I tried once, but it was so dark I looked ridiculous.
This one is pretty subtle although it looks very dark in the bottle. I can get away with multiple layers 🙂 I had to do that in order for it to show up properly in the photos with flash!
Alas, my bath really isn’t large enough for a soak. I wish it was. I love SM and their soaks and scrubs though. I’ve never seen that one and it sounds heavenly.
It’s SUPER invigorating! I feel like a new woman afterwards.
Haha, I’ll have to get some of this for my blindingly white husband! I call him “fish belly” in the summer. He’s so white, he’s reflective. This might take the edge off! I’m darker but love the sheen on this and how it gives nice dimension and evens out tone.
Lol my tummy is in perpetual Twilight xD
I have seen a lot of tanning lotions but this is a nice alternative for an instant “glow”–VERY pretty!
I have a love-hate relationship with shimmer or glow body products. They’re so pretty but then when I want them OFF they kind of refuse to go and get everywhere and they start to bug me, lol.
Such a lovely, yet subtle effect! I used to fake tan my legs, which don’t ever seem to catch any amount of color, but haven’t done so far this year. I just embrace the paleness should I wear a skirt, because at the moment sleep is more important than a fake tan.
Same! I have never really given my legs a second thought, so I’m appreciating all these sunless potions out now!
Hey Anna, did you notice any transfer with that bronzer? I’m super pale/ tan resistant but a little color once in a while might be fun. But I’m stuck about 10 years in the past when it was orange city and anything you touch would get stained the same color 🙁
Hi Angela!
I had the same thought and I got nothing when I swiped a white shirt against it a few times. I’m completely fine wearing it with flowy clothing. I’m not so sure what would happen in the summer heat + tight white shorts now! I’m too paranoid xD
Girl, yasss! The weather down here is worse than usual this year. (Or maybe I’m just getting older and it bothers me more, lol.) It’s going to be 96 degrees and 99% humidity today.
I’m glad you recommended the Too Faced bronzer. I’ve been trying to talk myself into trying it. This weekend might be a great opportunity to beat the heat in Sephora.